Christina Egelund of the Moderates (Moderaterne) is at the center of a controversial issue after granting her former special advisor, Anders Langballe, a severance package totaling nearly half a million Danish krone (approximately $70,000). Experts are now questioning whether this decision was made following standard procedures.

According to Jesper Olsen, chair of Transparency International Denmark and an external lecturer in public law, it is clear that this case has been managed differently than others. He emphasizes the need for a clear explanation from the ministry to assure the public that everything has proceeded correctly. This comes after the Ombudsman provided sharp criticism of the ministry for altering and rewriting information related to the Langballe case before it was released to the media.

Anders Langballe, a former employee at TV 2, left his position as an advisor to Egelund after 15 months, citing a need for more time with his family. In addition to increased family time, Langballe also received a substantial severance bonus of 455,000 kroner (approximately $65,000). Egelund’s ministry previously assured that there was nothing unusual about this payment and that all regulations were adhered to.

However, it is noteworthy that Langballe’s colleague, Magnus Ulveman, who also resigned as a special advisor for Health Minister Sophie Løhde for family reasons, did not receive any financial compensation. This discrepancy has raised questions and criticism from multiple sources, including Ole Birk Olesen from the Liberal Alliance, who has likened the situation to a favor for Langballe.

The Ombudsman’s criticism has now led to the Education and Research Ministry (Uddannelses- og Forskningsministeriet) being asked to revisit the case. Jesper Olsen questions why the ministry chose to manipulate information in what was otherwise a routine case, pointing out that it deviates from established procedures. He describes the ministry’s handling as problematic and criticizes their lack of willingness to explain Langballe’s severance package, as well as the rules and criteria that underpinned it.

When approached for a comment regarding the Ombudsman’s statements, the ministry has chosen to remain silent. However, they have indicated that they will revisit the case and provide a new resolution.